Outgoing Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mike Neustrom announced his choice to replace him as the top law enforcement official for the parish.

The sheriff said Tuesday after visiting each candidate, he'd be voting for attorney Mark Garber.

"I have thoughtfully listened to their ideas from interviews, forums, and public media," Neustrom said in an email. "After careful consideration, I have decided that Mark Garber is the best person to serve as Sheriff of Lafayette Parish."

He elaborated, saying he believes Garber's diverse background makes him the best replacement for the retiring sheriff.

"Mark Garber has the diverse background and experience needed to serve as Lafayette’s next Sheriff," he wrote. "Whether it is his commitment to professional law enforcement over politics, focus on education, safety, or communication, Mark has the character and tenacity to serve us well.

"As the only candidate with law enforcement experience at both local and federal levels, Mark is the most qualified to wisely manage our eight hundred employees and eleven hundred inmates."

Garber, along with the other candidates, has spoken in praise of Neustrom's focus on addressing issues of mental illness within the community and diverting minor offenders out of the crowded Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Garber said he believes Neustrom's programs are necessary but may need some trimming on the budgetary side.

Scott Police Chief Chad Leger got his first job in law enforcement with the sheriff's office before Neustrom, and candidate John Rogers is currently a deputy in the office, handling litigation and risk management.

Leger spoke Tuesday about the endorsement.

"My opponent has pledged to make the diversionary programs started by the Sheriff his top priority," he said. "I made clear to the Sheriff that while I strongly support these programs, my top priority will be improving the fundamentals of law enforcement to keep our parish more safe and secure.

"I’m pleased that there is now a crystal-clear choice between a candidate who believes programs for offenders are the most important thing, and one who believes strong law enforcement fundamentals are the most important thing," he continued. "I’m confident that the vast majority of Lafayette Parish voters agree with me on this critical point."

Rogers spoke to The Daily Advertiser Tuesday.

"I respect Michael Neustrom’s opinion to endorse any candidate; however, I do not agree with the endorsement," he said. "Ultimately, the decision is left up to the citizens of Lafayette Parish to choose what direction is best for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 24."

Former Louisiana State Police Lt. Rick Chargois said he isn't surprised by the sheriff's endorsement.

"While I support the diversion and rehabilitation programs in the sheriff's office, I believe that law enforcement is about protecting our communities and families throughout the parish," Chargois said. "I cannot commit to expanding diverse social programs at the risk of diverting much needed resources from our streets and neighborhoods.

"As your sheriff, I will support commitments and resources from government and private industry to rebuild more effective mental and emotional intervention programs. My first commitment is to protecting families and supporting our dedicated law enforcement professionals."

Both Garber's and Leger's campaigns released polls in August to The Daily Advertiser, both of which showed Leger with a double-digit lead at about 34 to 38 percent of voters polled supporting him.

Garber, with only 40 percent of those polled saying they recognized his name, pulled in 21 percent.

After polls close on Oct. 24, Neustrom said he's willing to work with the incoming sheriff to provide an easy transition from his administration to the next.

"I am prepared to work with the incoming Sheriff, in order to ensure an orderly and seamless transition. I urge all citizens to become active voters so that your voices and values can be reflected in this election."